100 Years In the Dark: Antique Tile Rediscovered
Every once in a while, a salvage moment feels like opening a time capsule. Last week, we cracked open a wooden crate that hadn’t been touched in more than a century. Inside? Over 3,000 linear feet of antique liner tiles, still tucked in their original paper wrapping, waiting patiently for their return to the light.
Made in the 1920s by Richards Tile Co. of England, these rare vintage ceramic tiles feature a soft pink background with a repeating ribbon pattern in maroon and light grey. As the tiles slid from their packaging, glaze still gleaming as if fresh from the kiln, it was hard not to imagine the artisans who crafted them, never suspecting their work would be rediscovered a hundred years later, perfectly preserved.
And here’s the twist: these tiles didn’t spend the last century in a museum vault. For forty of those years, they sat hidden away in a barn. Their survival is equal parts luck and craftsmanship—proof that historic English tiles can outlast generations and remain ready for modern installation.
When we shared the video of that first opening, it struck a chord. More than 400,000 people have already watched these antique border tiles reemerge, a reminder that beauty doesn’t fade when it’s crafted to endure. Today, they’re ready for a second life: framing a vintage bathroom tile design, edging a classic kitchen backsplash, or adding character to an entryway vestibule design.
Want to know something else cool? These weren’t the only designs we uncovered when we opened these crates for the first time in 100 years. Other available designs from the same treasure cache include:
We’re thrilled to have rescued them, and even more excited to see where they’ll go next. Curious to bring a piece of this century-old discovery into your own space? Click below to explore these reclaimed treasures before they disappear again.